Swedish Business Footprint in the North East 2025

10 April, 16:00 - 20:00

Join us for an insightful afternoon in Newcastle upon Tyne to discover the impact of Swedish enterprises in the region, hear inspiring success stories, and network with industry leaders. Whether you’re curious about the business landscape or looking to connect with key players, this event is free of charge and open to all – secure your spot today!

The North East region

Newcastle, the heart of North East England, has evolved from its shipbuilding and coal mining roots into a thriving cultural and business hub. The region excels in advanced manufacturing, life sciences, digital, energy, and business services, driven by its skilled workforce and strong infrastructure. As one of the UK’s fastest-growing economies, the North East is at the forefront of progress, proudly hosting England’s first Destination Development Partnership pilot — designed to further boost the visitor economy and strengthen the regional ecosystem.

Agenda:

Registration 4pm

Welcome 4:30pm

Collaboration Points between Sweden and the North East

Mike Barlow, Regional Sales Director UK & Ireland, Ericsson

Mark Stoner, Chief Financial Officer, Port of Tyne

The Triple S: Swedish Success Stories

Martin Hallissey, Site Manager, Essity

Sarah Carr, Group Head of Legal - Commercial & IP, LeoVegas Group

Luke Kennedy, Market Manager, IKEA

The Future of the North East

Steve Angus, Country Manager, DBT

Dawn Dunn, Digital and Tech Sector Lead, NewcastleGateshead Initiative

Robert Hamilton, Head of Economic and Urban Policy, North East Combined Authority

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Community, Culture & Collaboration

Steve Beharall, CEO, Newcastle United Foundation

Jonathan Blackie CBE, Advisor, North East Culture Partnerships

Networking & Drinks

Speaker

Steve Beharall

CEO

Newcastle United Foundation

Featured Speaker

Mike Barlow

Regional Sales Director, UK and Ireland

Ericsson Limited

Featured Speaker

Mark Stoner

Chief Financial Officer

Port of Tyne

Featured Speaker

Martin Hallissey

Site Manager

Essity

Featured Speaker

Steve Angus

Country Director Sweden

Department for Business and Trade

Featured Speaker

Dawn Dunn

Digital and Tech Sector Lead

NewcastleGateshead Initiative

Featured Speaker

Robert Hamilton

Head of Strategy & Innovation

North East Combined Authority

Featured Speaker

Rob returned to the North East fifteen years ago, to work in economic development. Currently Head of Strategy and Innovation at the North East Combined Authority, he is responsible for their economic strategy and for the delivery of a range of programmes – including supporting businesses to start, grow, innovate, and create jobs.

Previously, Rob was Head of Economic Development at Newcastle City Council, working on projects including the NewcastleGateshead Accelerated Development Zone and inward investment. Before that, he worked for a number of years at the Bank of England on monetary policy and financial stability issues.

Jonathan Blackie CBE

Advisor

North East Culture Partnerships

Featured Speaker

Jonathan advises the North East Culture Partnership, a consortium of local politicians and senior staff representing the arts and heritage sector . Previously he was Director of the North East Government Office for almost a decade. In 2015 he co-produced the 'Case for Culture', twenty years after he chaired the 'Case for Capital', which helped redefine North East England as a leading region of the UK.

In recent years he has developed a collaboration with the region of West Sweden, which includes the creation of a Scandanavian Garden in Saltwell Park, Gateshead.

Luke Kennedy

Market Manager

IKEA

Featured Speaker

Sarah Carr

Group Head of Legal - Commercial & IP

Leo Vegas Group

Featured Speaker

Moderator

Caroline Theobald CBE

SCC UK North East Chapter Chair

Bridge Club

Moderator

Host Partner

Partners

Location

Newcastle United Foundation

NUCASTLE Diana Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom, NE4 6BQ

Delegate

Jan Ståhlberg

Founder & Managing Partner

Trill Impact

Emmie Jones

Partner

White & Case

David Samuelson

Partner

Nordic Capital

This is a past event.

Terms & Conditions

Bookings are non-refundable, but at the discretion of the organiser, you can change the name of the person attending. For this, please contact events@scc.org.uk.

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